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LaDonna Ford

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LaDonna began her journey in dance at age of 4, Quickly discovering her passion for dance under the guidance of her influential instructors, Leisa Gramlich and Mary Gunn. Her talent and dedication led her to become a founding member of the Fort Smith Ballet Company, and by the age of 13, she had already begun sharing her love of dance through teaching. 

At 16, she achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest member of the Southern Association of Dance Masters. She pursued her passion academically, beginning her college career majoring in dance pedagogy at the University of Oklahoma. She later transferred to Oklahoma State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Relations and Child Development, with a certification in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Recreation and Leisure. 

After college, LaDonna opened her first dance studio in Columbus, Kansas. She eventually moved back to the River Valley area, where she returned to teach at Fort Smith School of Ballet, and later Grayce DeWitt Dance Studio.  

LaDonna founded Attitudes Performing Arts in 2008, where she and her fabulous staff continue to inspire and cultivate young dancers, sharing lifelong passion and expertise. 

She lives in Van Buren with her husband David; they have three beautiful daughters, and several animals.